If you were waiting for Tennessee Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell to deliver her signature win, she did just that on Thursday night. In a total thriller, No. 19 Tennessee took down No. 5 UConn, 80-76, in Knoxville. It's a win people in town are still celebrating.
Right after the victory, Caldwell told ESPN that the Huskies are a talented team, but her players were able to outwork them. Then while speaking to the press, Caldwell didn't waste any time in honoring the late Pat Summitt. So, what did Caldwell think Summitt was doing watching the Lady Vols post their biggest one of the year? Drinking a beer with Caldwell's dad up above. Love this:
A rivalry that was made what it was because of the dominance Pat Summitt built at Tennessee.
— Casey Kay (@caseykaytv) February 7, 2025
I asked HC Kim Caldwell what she thinks Pat would say if she were here tonight.
"I am sure she is up in heaven with my dad probably having a cold one celebrating." pic.twitter.com/U5lxD9xPhy
Lady Vols HC Kim Caldwell honored Pat Summitt after taking down UConn
You can tell just how much this win meant to Caldwell too. Keep in mind that less than three weeks ago, Caldwell was in the hospital having a baby. Only 18 days later and she powered the Vols over UConn in what's an incredible rivalry game? Yeah, talk about being a total boss.
Ever since Caldwell was hired to be the new head coach for the program, she's done everything the right way and done so with an incredible amount of passion. It's proving to be a fun first year with her in charge and things are only going to keep getting better thanks to her impressive recruiting efforts.
This was the kind of win that can really set the tone for the rest of the campaign. The Lady Vols and Caldwell will look to keep playing well in the regular season, and then they'll shift their focus to the SEC Tournament.
Then of course March Madness will arrive and the Vols will look to go on a deep run. Caldwell is ready to keep leading this team and she'll be doing so knowing that Summitt is smiling from ear to ear over the job she's getting done.